The Coast Recital Society invites you to hear three of the finest Canadian classical musicians of our time on February 27, 28 and March 1, 2026.
Sechelt is home to one of the best classical concert presenters in the country – the Coast Recital Society. Later this winter, the CRS presents a brand new venture called Piano Fest – an exciting opportunity to hear three of the world’s finest pianists in a weekend festival format.
Headlining the festival is the phenomenal Calgary pianist Kevin Chen, who recently took second prize in the Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw – considered the Olympics of the music world. Only the world’s finest musicians compete in this competition. To be among the winners is to become an instant international musical star.
Kevin joins Charles Richard-Hamelin, a former Chopin competition winner, whose recordings have won a slew of awards, and Janina Fialkowska, one of the most celebrated international pianists of the past century.
All three matinee concerts, performed on the Society’s lovingly maintained 9-foot Steinway, take place at the Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt. There will also be outreach programming and post-concert chats with the artists.
“This is a dream come true for me,” says the CRS’s Artistic Director, Denise Ball. “All three of these artists are personal favourites.”
“Janina Fialkowska is a national cultural treasure who became a protege of Arthur Rubenstein, the legendary pianist who launched her career in the mid-70s. She plays with a lyricism that is simply exquisite.
Charles Richard-Hamelin is a true poet of the keyboard. He’s absolutely masterful and brings rare depth and musicality to everything he plays.
And what can be said about Kevin Chen other than ‘Wow!’ He’s still a teenager, but when I heard his performances at the recent Chopin Competition, I was simply knocked sideways.”
Ball adds that the weekend offers audiences a rare gathering of the greats, a chance to experience three generations of outstanding pianists in a single weekend.
“A festival of this sort rarely happens outside the musical capitals of the world. I’m delighted to be able to share these amazing artists with music lovers living on the Sunshine Coast and beyond. It’s even drawing piano enthusiasts from outside the province.”
Their programs range from Beethoven to Scriabin with a heavy emphasis on Chopin, the composer whose music requires both a dazzling technique and deeply lyrical musicianship.
A Piano Fest pass which includes tickets to all three concerts is available for $100; students $25. Single tickets for individual concerts can be purchased for $35 each; students $10. To purchase, email .